DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal today held a meeting with the Imams of the Haryana Waqf Board in Gurugram and called upon them to work unitedly in the society, so that the country would progress rapidly on the path of development. This was the first time that the Chief Minister interacted with the Imams of the Haryana Waqf Board in this manner. To give an unprecedented gift to the Imams, the Chief Minister's felicitation programme 'Tanzeem Aima-e-Auqaf' was organized by the Haryana Waqf Board at Gurugram University. The salary of Imams of Haryana Waqf Board has been increased by more than 50 percent and a provision has also been made for 5 percent increase every year. Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister wished for wellness of the society and the people stating that everyone should be connected in the thread of unity. He said that ever since Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi took over the reins of the country; he has implemented many welfare schemes for the Muslim community. The law made on triple talaq has been accepted by the general public as good and the people need to be made aware of such facts, he added. The Chief Minister said that the Maulanas and Imams have made commendable contributions in making 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' programme successful in Mewat region. Similarly, they have also cooperated a lot in the Swachhata Abhiyan, he said. Expressing concern over the trend of drug addiction in the society, the Chief Minister appealed to the Imams to contribute in curbing drug abuse. Discussing about the importance of education, the Chief Minister said, "Whether it is a school or a seminary, we should walk together with the world in the field of education and provide modern education to the children." He said that rapid development is taking place in the Mewat region. "The construction of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is going on at a fast pace. Also, to increase employment opportunities in this area, the residents of Mewat should come forward to set up industries or inspire others to set up industries here," said the Chief Minister. He further said that the details of every family of the state are recorded in the Parivar Pehchan Patra and through this; the benefits of government schemes are being extended to the actual beneficiaries. "Now, we have made such a system that, on eligibility, an automatic old age pension and BPL ration cards will be made," he added. On the occasion, Administrator, Haryana Waqf Board, Chaudhary Zakir Hussain said that the Chief Minister is taking the state forward and his words and actions are the same. The Chief Minister has solved the complicated matters of the Haryana Waqf Board, he added. (editor@dailyworld.in)